Hmm… which one of shimeji above that having a problem?
the possible problems is as follow:

1. Your java was NOT properly installed. Are you installing your java using offline-java standalone? If yes, then you can try to auto-update your java by manual procedure.
for reference you can visit the link below.http://www.java.com/en/download/help/java_update.xml

By all means, please update to the latest version. It may solve the problem.

3. On some computer, after you click the .exe, it will took some time for shimeji to appear. Usually, they will fall from the top of your desktop.
They are likely to stand on your windows browser, please minimize all windows.

4. On Windows XP, once they are executed, please check your system tray icon located at below right corner. You will see an icon of shimeji.
By default, they should be automatically appear when you run the .exe.
If not, then please right click the shimeji’s icon and choose the first option to make them appear (please minimize all windows).

5. I’ve tested all of my shimeji collections and it’s working fine on Windows XP. I don’t know if its working on another OS. Please try to crosscheck with your other computer or your friend’s computer.
If the problem still persist then the possible cause is shimeji is NOT compatible with other OS.

6. If its working just fine with another computer, please see point 1 and 2

I used to have the same problem like Rin_chan
You know, after I installed the java 6, it still asks me to download java 6 in Japanese. I click the left button, it opens a link and later my shimeji appears :).Whenever I open my shimeji, it always makes me feel a little bit annoyed about that.(-__-||||)
But then, in a forum (vietnamese language, of course), they make intruction about how to run the shimeji.
They said that you had to download program for shimeji : “Calm” or “Mischievous” zip file

( I don’t know how to express about the different between the “Calm” and “Mischievous” file, so you have to find out for yourself :))

O(∩_∩)O It’s working just fine because I did like what they said:
_Extract the “Calm” or “Mischievous” zip file
_Download shimeji character (it’s often zip or rar file)
_Extract shimeji file and open it
_Find the folder name “img” and rename (You should rename it to shimeji’s name. Sometimes, the name of the folder is diffenrent, so you should find the folder that have many images of shimeji)
_Copy that renamed folder to “img” folder of the Calm or Mischievous file
_Done ~≥▽≤)/~
_Click the application file “Shimeji-ee”
(By the way, the program interface is in english~)
_The shimeji you have installed will appear

hmm… Its not that hard for since i already know my way around shimeji scripting.
while it’s true you need to update your java but i don’t think its necessary to update your java to japanese version, because i did NOT.
i’m using Windows XP SP3 and i NEVER have any problem with my shimeji.
yeah, i’m aware about english-interface shimeji. it works like a manager, but sadly its hard to navigate them all since each shimeji’s icons are integrated into one icon, so i didn’t use it. Imagine if you run 3 kind of mischievous shimeji at the same time and they keep multiplying again and again.
About calm and mischievous script, all of my shimeji collections are already using mischievous version, so i don’t think thats the reason why my shimeji won’t work on some people. i’m guessing the problems lays on your copy of windows and your regional settings (it’s just my assumption, i had tried running my shimejis on different PC and laptop with different OS and i never found any problems running them).
The calm version just walking and climbing around, they won’t throw away your browser or multiplying too much on the contrary with mischievous version.
The mischievous will keep multiplying until your windows is crashed, so beware… do NOT leave your shimeji too long (they finally busted my card, DAMN!)

Yeah…I think you’re right O(∩_∩)O. Maybe, the prolem is my copy of windows, i’m using Windows XP SP2 🙂
I know, my friend also said that before.So i’ve never dared to let the mischievous multiplies, or else my computer will be doomed щ(ﾟДﾟщ)
P/S: Nice talking to you (≧∇≦)

I don’t think the service package is causing troubleshooting for running shimeji, what i meant by ‘copy of your windows’ is about whether your copy of windows is genuine or not (its just my assumption, though)
since shimeji are originally japanese, i think you need to set your regional setting to japanese locale from control panel.
There are many japanese programs that won’t run properly unless you set your regional setting manually through control panel and restarting your windows.
For me, I always set my regional setting to japanese (partially) so i never had any problems running japanese programs. (FYI, never use applocale or any programs like that to hook and run japanese programs. why?? because they sucks and won’t working properly on the newest japanese programs)

It’s fine for shimeji to multiplying, just don’t leave them be or AFK. I still trying to figure how to limit their action through editing the .xml script but it’s always messed up everytime i tried to run shimeji with my edited script.
So i gave up and just leave them be… :3
PS: nice to know that there are people like you who still giving my ‘forever alone’ blog some attention. :3

http://code.google.com/p/shimeji-ee/
try use this shimeji version…
all you have to do is copy all of the images inside “img” folder to the new version…
if it’s not working, try to switch your regional setting to japanese, and update your java to the latest version…
God Bless You…
If none of this methods are working then please ask your friends who knew their way around scripting, most likely a programmer…
most of the troubleshootings i’ve encountered were solvable using these solutions…
please give me a feedback later on whether my methods are working or not…
Thanks 🙂